TheTrooper David Shawn Blanton Jr.Tye Band memorial bracelets, military bracelets...

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Trooper David Shawn Blanton Jr.
North Carolina Highway Patrol

End of Watch: Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Age: 24

Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: G-540

Cause of Death: Gunfire

Date of Incident: Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Charged with capital murder

Trooper David Blanton was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on I-40 near Canton, North Carolina. A struggle ensued during the stop and Trooper Blanton was fatally shot.

The suspect took Trooper Blanton's service weapon and fled the scene. He was apprehended a short time later by deputies from the Haywood County Sheriff's Office and officers from the Canton Police Department. He was subsequently charged with capital murder.

Trooper Blanton had served with the agency for 2 years and had previously served as a dispatcher for the Cherokee Tribal Police Department. He is survived by his Parents, wife and 2-week-old son.

Trooper Blanton's son, Tye Blanton, died as a result of complications from being born 7 weeks prematurly. He was born just two weeks before his Dad was killed and he had many problems and had been fighting for his life since then and he finally went on to join his Daddy.